Dual Optimas in Stock Location (1 Viewer)

[5Cruiser]

Sorry for the delay, the batteries are size D35

UPDATE:

The headlight bulb went out on that side and I had to remove the batteries to get to it. Not a big deal, but did make the project take a little bit longer. Still way worth it to have the two batteries and have them in that spot.

Still need to take care of wrapping/securing the aluminum lines, but they look fine so far after just a few snow-wheeling trips. Still don't want to blow it off...better put it on my list.

 

[nutter]

Just a note on this, the yellow-top Optima D35s are actually only 620 CCA, and Optima does not recommend them for the LCs (per their website). You could go one red-top (710 CCA), one yellow, but I'd be a little nervous about having a backup battery that is not really rated to start the truck.

 

[SF1911A1]

Resurrecting this post... I am looking to do this soon, but my single battery is dying now and I need to replace. In order to have the right battery to put them side by side as this OP has done, would I be good with a red top D35? It has 720 CCA and has identical dimensions as the OP’s yellow top batteries so fitment shouldn’t be an issue. I’m pretty sure this is the battery to buy, but just want to run it by the experts to make sure I’m good to go. Thank you for any input.

 

[melepley]

Resurrecting this post... I am looking to do this soon, but my single battery is dying now and I need to replace. In order to have the right battery to put them side by side as this OP has done, would I be good with a red top D35? It has 720 CCA and has identical dimensions as the OP’s yellow top batteries so fitment shouldn’t be an issue. I’m pretty sure this is the battery to buy, but just want to run it by the experts to make sure I’m good to go. Thank you for any input.

I've been considering this same swap. I have an LX470 and there isn't a lot of room for a second battery under the hood with the AHC. The Redtop 35 will be a good choice based on what the OP did.

However, as a second battery for accessories even the Yellowtop doesn't have many Ah for running accessories for very long. I've seen several posts where fitting the group 31 battery and having a lithium jump starter may be a better choice unless you have high draw accessories.

If you go the two battery route post your install process and how you like it. I know I'm interested since I haven't decided what to do yet.

 

[SF1911A1]

I've been considering this same swap. I have an LX470 and there isn't a lot of room for a second battery under the hood with the AHC. The Redtop 35 will be a good choice based on what the OP did.

However, as a second battery for accessories even the Yellowtop doesn't have many Ah for running accessories for very long. I've seen several posts where fitting the group 31 battery and having a lithium jump starter may be a better choice unless you have high draw accessories.

If you go the two battery route post your install process and how you like it. I know I'm interested since I haven't decided what to do yet.

I’m for sure going to do the install, but it probably won’t be for a few months if not during next winter. In Houston, winter is when I do most of my vehicle projects contrary to most people on here waiting for the warmer weather. I was already sweating my balls off this evening installing my ham radio in the car. I’m just trying to make sure that I buy the right battery now so that I’m not stuck with having to fix it later by buying two new optimas and having the one I buy now sitting around because it doesn’t fit. Thanks for the input, I’ll be picking up the red top in the next few days.

Has anyone used www.batteriesareus.com? They have the red top 35 for only $154 with free shipping. That’s a big difference from anywhere else I see it which makes me a little suspicious.

 

[daohaus]

I’m for sure going to do the install, but it probably won’t be for a few months if not during next winter. In Houston, winter is when I do most of my vehicle projects contrary to most people on here waiting for the warmer weather. I was already sweating my balls off this evening installing my ham radio in the car. I’m just trying to make sure that I buy the right battery now so that I’m not stuck with having to fix it later by buying two new optimas and having the one I buy now sitting around because it doesn’t fit. Thanks for the input, I’ll be picking up the red top in the next few days.

Has anyone used www.batteriesareus.com? They have the red top 35 for only $154 with free shipping. That’s a big difference from anywhere else I see it which makes me a little suspicious.

Wow that's a really good price but you know the old saying if it's too good to be true...

 

[daohaus]

I’m for sure going to do the install, but it probably won’t be for a few months if not during next winter. In Houston, winter is when I do most of my vehicle projects contrary to most people on here waiting for the warmer weather. I was already sweating my balls off this evening installing my ham radio in the car. I’m just trying to make sure that I buy the right battery now so that I’m not stuck with having to fix it later by buying two new optimas and having the one I buy now sitting around because it doesn’t fit. Thanks for the input, I’ll be picking up the red top in the next few days.

Has anyone used www.batteriesareus.com? They have the red top 35 for only $154 with free shipping. That’s a big difference from anywhere else I see it which makes me a little suspicious.

Just a few Google searches and I'd be hesitant to do it unless you use a cc. Do NOT order from BatteriesAreUs.com - GrandAmGT.com Forum - http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28074

 

[excessive]

i thought the overall consensus was Optima's were junk now, or at least not anywhere what they used to be. I wrote them off as an option long ago. Have they changed , are they decent batteries again now?

 

[jLB]

Just a note on this, the yellow-top Optima D35s are actually only 620 CCA, and Optima does not recommend them for the LCs (per their website). You could go one red-top (710 CCA), one yellow, but I'd be a little nervous about having a backup battery that is not really rated to start the truck.

Considering that the 24F batteries that Toyota sells for the vehicle are 530 & 575 CCA, it’s probably not a huge deal, but not my preference either.

i thought the overall consensus was Optima's were junk now, or at least not anywhere what they used to be. I wrote them off as an option long ago. Have they changed , are they decent batteries again now?

That’s been my experience (junk).

 

[109madrid]

I quit buying optima batteries awhile back because they definitely aren’t what they used to be and I could rarely get more than 3 years out of them. As soon as the warranty was up, I needed a new one. I’ve been using Toyota batteries lately because of their warranty but I will admit that I do have a optima yellow top in my 80 series (because of the winch), and it’s probably going on 5 years now but I also have a Noco Genius onboard and leave it constantly plugged in when it’s parked -but I attribute that one’s longevity to the trickle charger and with my luck, I will probably regret speaking highly it now.

 

[daohaus]

So if OPTIMA is out now due to longevity what's the go to now other than OEM? I was looking forward to using the 2 red top similar to the OP

 

[excessive]

I always just buy Interstate flooded batteries, they are cheap and last a long time. I recently bought an interstate AGM battery, and so far it seems ok ( 1yr old)

 

[CognacCowboy]

So if OPTIMA is out now due to longevity what's the go to now other than OEM? I was looking forward to using the 2 red top similar to the OP

Idk man, I haven't had any issues with Optimas, I actually just took a red top from a car of mine that's been sitting for over a year, completely discharged. Charged it with an AGM specific charger and she's good to go! Of course this is all anecdotal.

 

[hoser]

So if OPTIMA is out now due to longevity what's the go to now other than OEM? I was looking forward to using the 2 red top similar to the OP

IMO, for most people, the standard Flood Lead Acid battery is the best for the 100's starting battery. AGM batteries want a more "custom" 3-stage charging system with consideration (and sensors) given to battery temperature. And newer vehicles that come with AGM batteries do this.

The AGM battery is physically more robust than the standard FLA batteries and one might still want one if they run a lot of washboard roads. But you'll want a plug-in supplementary charger (AGM specific) to condition the battery. If you never fully recharge the AGM battery, battery capacity will be reduced over time due to sulfation (build up of sulfate crystals on the lead plates/matting).